Explore every episode of the podcast Awakening Now
Dive into the complete episode list for Awakening Now. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
Many people on the spiritual awakening path reach a moment where understanding is no longer enough.
You may clearly understand non-duality, awakening, or the self illusion intellectually. You may know the language, have had glimpses, and seen moments of clarity. And yet something hasn’t shifted. There is still confusion. There is still a sense of “me.” And that can feel deeply discouraging.
In this episode of Awakening Now, I share an unedited recording from a live Zoom meeting where I respond to an email that says: “I understand this intellectually, but I don’t feel it.” What I hear is not failure, but honesty — a turning point where the old strategy of seeking through understanding begins to collapse.
I speak about why seeing through the self illusion is not an emotional experience, and why clarity is not a feeling. Confusion, doubt, frustration, and a sense of “me” can still arise after awakening, and they do not mean you didn’t see.
This conversation explores the difference between direct pointing — seeing through the illusion of a separate self — and meeting what continues to arise after that recognition. Old emotional patterns, sensations, and conditioning don’t mean you’ve gone backwards. Often, they are the next layer asking to be met.
If you feel stuck after awakening, exhausted from seeking, or confused about why insight hasn’t brought lasting peace, this episode offers clarity, reassurance, and a grounded understanding of what is actually happening.
Have you been craving awakening? Waiting for the moment when everything finally softens, the mind gets quiet, the heart opens, and you can finally stop searching?
In this awakening now episode, I sit with Won Bo, a Lithuanian nun living in Korea. From the very first minute, something in her presence invites you to slow down, soften, and see what’s already here. Nothing dramatic. Nothing mystical. Just truth, lived by someone who has dedicated her whole life to clarity.
We explore the ordinary moments seekers overlook, the craving that hides beneath “spiritual progress,” the tenderness of glimpses that fade, and the simplicity of Zen’s most direct practice: What am I? Not to find an answer… but to fall back into don’t-know, the space where awakening unfolds by itself.
If you’ve ever felt “not enough,” or wondered why awakening feels distant even after years of seeking, this conversation may feel like a quiet homecoming.
WHAT WE EXPLORE TOGETHER
• Why she chose the monastic path and what actually surprised her • A clear, gentle definition of awakening that removes pressure • How the Three Poisons silently guide your daily reactions • The subtle trap of craving awakening (and how to recognize it) • Why glimpses fade and why that isn’t a failure • A practice you can use at any moment of your day • How “don’t-know” becomes a lived, spacious way of being
If you want to explore this more deeply, I created a short guide called Introduction to Deep Looking. It’s a gentle way to meet what’s here and begin unwinding the tension underneath seeking. You can receive it by signing up on my website.
Here is the link: https://ilonaciunaite.com/deep-looking-ebook/
If you read it and something moves in you, you are always welcome to write to me and share what opened.
Subscribe to my Newsletter for free monthly Zoom meetings: https://ilonaciunaite.com/subscribe/
Music by Valdi Sabev, Visit his channel for more calm and relaxed musichttps://www.youtube.com/c/ValdiSabev/featured
⚠️ DISCLAIMER
This content is for educational purposes only and **not** a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If anxiety is severe or you have thoughts of self-harm, please seek help from a licensed mental-health professional immediately.
What if your regrets, guilt, and “what ifs” about the past are nothing more than sitting on a train wishing it turned left when the tracks only go straight?
In this powerful satsang, we explore a simple but life-changing metaphor: life moves the way it’s meant to, and no moment could have unfolded any differently. All the pain, joy, confusion, and growth have led you right here, right now.
If you’ve been stuck in regret, shame, or self-judgment, this talk is an invitation to let go and embrace the freedom of the present moment. Life is carrying you, all you need to do is trust the rails.
Subscribe to my Newsletter for updates and to receive info about free monthly meetings on Zoom https://ilonaciunaite.com/subscribe/
Music by Valdi Sabev, Visit his channel for more calm and relaxed music https://www.youtube.com/c/ValdiSabev/featured
Subscribe to my Newsletter for updates and to receive info about free monthly meetings on Zoom https://ilonaciunaite.com/subscribe/
Music by Valdi Sabev, Visit his channel for more calm and relaxed music https://www.youtube.com/c/ValdiSabev/featured
In this episode I talk to Maria. She is a psychotherapist, a busy mum of three children, and she lives with her husband in Manchester, uk.
Maria describes her seeking experience and talks about the dark night of the soul. She shares about her experience of awakening to love and her best advice is to recognise that you are your own guru.
If you need assistance with your own inquiry come to the Liberation Unleashed where you can register for a free account and get a volunteer guide completely free of charge. Or if you need my support, send me an email through my website which is http://www.IlonaCiunaite.com I’ll be happy to help.
Liberation Unleashed book is available on Amazon. There is a chapter in there on Deep Looking and how you can work with energy at home. https://www.amazon.com/Liberation-Unleashed-Breaking-Illusion-Separate/dp/B0BGNKWHQ6/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1664986704&sr=8-4 s
Listen to Branimir’s awakening story. A Shift happened as he was reading the Gateless Gatecrashers book. Branimir shares his experience before and after, and talks about openness and curiosity as the key, that helped him a lot.
If you need assistance with your own inquiry come to the Liberation Unleashed where you can register for a free account and get a volunteer guide completely free of charge. Or if you need my support, send me an email through my website which is http://www.IlonaCiunaite.com I’ll be happy to help.
Liberation Unleashed book is available on Amazon. There is a chapter in there on Deep Looking and how you can work with energy at home. https://www.amazon.com/Liberation-Unleashed-Breaking-Illusion-Separate/dp/B0BGNKWHQ6/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1664986704&sr=8-4 s
Dive into a deep looking session and meet the energy of restlessness. My guest today is Gunnar and you met him in episode 12. You can use this recording as a meditation and follow along listening to our talk and reflect on what you see in your experience. Let’s dive in!
Deep Looking is a transformative practice that brings clarity, release, and profound peace to your life. Through welcoming, thanking, and engaging in dialogue, you can dissolve resistance and discover a more expansive, loving, and accepting version of yourself. This process may require patience, but the rewards are immeasurable. Embrace this technique as a tool for personal growth and inner exploration, and witness the shifts in your well-being and perception of the world around you.
If you need assistance in your own inquiry come to the Liberation Unleashed where you can register for a free account and get a volunteer guide completely free of charge. Or if you need my support, send me an email through my website which is IlonaCiunaite.com I’ll be happy to help.
Music by Valdi Sabev, visit his channel for more calm and relaxed music https://www.youtube.com/c/ValdiSabev/featured
Listen to Laura’s awakening story. She hasn’t been seeking for a long time. Everything seemed to happen quickly. A Shift happened a year ago. Laura shares about her experience before and after, what she had to deal with and how she met the challenges. I had been meeting Laura for private sessions for over a year and witnessed her journey as it was unfolding. The first time she came to me she felt very unsafe and insecure. Today she is shining. And she continues to explore and integrate awakening in her daily life. She says she found IT and is happy to share what is IT with you.
If you need assistance with your own inquiry come to Liberation Unleashed where you can register for a free account and get a volunteer guide completely free of charge. Or if you need my support, send me an email through my website which is IlonaCiunaite.com I’ll be happy to help. You can also join free monthly meetings on zoom. Info on my events page.
Liberation Unleashed book is available on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Liberation-Unleashed-Breaking-Illusion-Separate/dp/B0BGNKWHQ6/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1664986704&sr=8-4 s
Helen Amery is a nondual guide and author, supporting others on their awakening and enlightenment journey. She had her first big awakening experience back in 2018, and after that, she dived deeply into the exploration to know who she really is. Who we all really are. A mum of two kids, she has continued to live a “normal” life throughout all of this and has discovered surprising new capacities along the way which you’ll hear about in the show.
During the show, Helen gifts us an energy transmission for 10 minutes. If you don’t want to receive this, simply skip forward for that 10 minutes until we’re talking again.
If you would like to read “The Complete Book of Awakening”, which she wrote with Sara Priestley, you’ll find that on your local Amazon, and everything related to that is here Thoughtful Raven – The home of practical spirituality.
If you need assistance with your own inquiry come to Liberation Unleashed where you can register for a free account and get a volunteer guide completely free of charge. Or if you need my support, send me an email through my website which is IlonaCiunaite.com I’ll be happy to help.
Liberation Unleashed book is available on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Liberation-Unleashed-Breaking-Illusion-Separate/dp/B0BGNKWHQ6/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1664986704&sr=8-4 s
I am inviting you to dive into a deep looking session. You can use this recording as a meditation and follow along listening to our talk and reflect on what you see in your experience.
I talked to Gunnar, who after some period of clarity and lightness found himself having doubts. Have I lost it, have I never got it- it’s a familiar place for many seekers. Hope our conversation will bring some clarity for you too.
Deep Looking is a transformative practice that brings clarity, release, and profound peace to your life. Through welcoming, thanking, and engaging in dialogue, you can dissolve resistance and discover a more expansive, loving, and accepting version of yourself. This process may require patience, but the rewards are immeasurable. Embrace this technique as a tool for personal growth and inner exploration, and witness the shifts in your well-being and perception of the world around you.
If you need assistance in your own inquiry come to the Liberation Unleashed where you can register for a free account and get a volunteer guide completely free of charge. Or if you need my support, send me an email through my website which is IlonaCiunaite.com I’ll be happy to help.
Music by Valdi Sabev, visit his channel for more calm and relaxed music https://www.youtube.com/c/ValdiSabev/featured
Today I talk to Mark Petrick. After many years of seeking and going through different teachings Mark can say with confidence, that yes, the shift happened and today he is sharing his story with you.
Mark Paul Petrick is an award-winning artist utilising the craft of photography to represent his subjects, as well as the poetry of concepts and visual situations.
If you need assistance in your own inquiry come to the Liberation Unleashed where you can register for a free account and get a volunteer guide completely free of charge. Or if you need my support, send me an email through my website which is IlonaCiunaite.com I’ll be happy to help.
Music by Valdi Sabev, visit his channel for more calm and relaxed music https://www.youtube.com/c/ValdiSabev/featured
Today I am talking to Tanya, she is a member of the Liberation Unleashed community. Tanya has been struggling with body image and beliefs about that. I invited her to share a little about her journey and we took a deeper dive into direct experience of the body today.
If you need assistance in your own inquiry come to the the Liberation Unleashed where you can register for a free account and get a volunteer guide completely free of charge. Or if you need my support, send me an email through my website which is IlonaCiunaite.com I’ll be happy to help.
Music by Valdi Sabev, visit his channel for more calm and relaxed music https://www.youtube.com/c/ValdiSabev/featured
In this episode meet Homer, another guest who has been through the Liberation Unleashed process a while ago. We explore his point of view and his advice to the seeker that is still looking for awakening. We talk about spacious intimacy of present moment.
If you need assistance in your own inquiry come to the Liberation Unleashed where you can register for a free account and get a volunteer guide completely free of charge. Or if you need my support, send me an email through my website which is IlonaCiunaite.com I’ll be happy to help.
Music by Valdi Sabev, visit his channel for more calm and relaxed music https://www.youtube.com/c/ValdiSabev/featured
In this episode I talk to Charlie, who went through Liberation Unleashed process some years ago. In our conversation with Charlie we explore his perspective on ego and it’s roles. Charlie shares about his experience with addiction and how awakening has impacted his everyday life.
Just a little side not about term “Gating”, that he uses. At Liberation unleashed and in my books I use a concept of the Gateless Gate. We refer to The initial recognition of the absence of a separate self as crossing the Gateless gate. Word Gating is used as a term for the initial awakening.
If you need assistance in your own inquiry come to the the Liberation Unleashed where you can register for a free account and get a volunteer guide completely free of charge. Or if you need my support, send me an email through my website which is IlonaCiunaite.com I’ll be happy to help.
Liberation Unleashed book is available on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Liberation-Unleashed-Breaking-Illusion-Separate/dp/B0BGNKWHQ6/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1664986704&sr=8-4 s
Need help with seeing through the illusion of self? Go here 👉 https://bit.ly/4oY0ztV
What if “I understand this intellectually” is the very thought keeping you from seeing reality as it is?
In this nonduality dialogue, we look directly into experience to explore the illusion of a separate self, the trap of expectations, and the deeper longing for truth that cannot be satisfied by concepts.
Through raw honesty and direct inquiry, we uncover: 📌 Why intellectual understanding is not the same as seeing 📌 How the mind creates the illusion of “me” 📌 The role of expectations in keeping seeking alive 📌 What remains when thought is set aside and longing is met directly
🌿 This is not about belief, it’s about looking into your own lived experience.
Subscribe to my Newsletter to receive info about free monthly meetings on Zoom https://ilonaciunaite.com/subscribe/
Music by Valdi Sabev, Visit his channel for more calm and relaxed music https://www.youtube.com/c/ValdiSabev/featured
DISCLAIMER This video is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or psychological care. If persistent pain or anxiety affects your daily life, please consult a qualified health provider.
In this episode I talk to Luchana Uzunova. You may know her from numerous interviews she had with seekers and explorers for Nothing FM, Liberation Unleashed and on her own platforms. Luchana is a guide on Liberation unleashed and in this conversation we reflect on what awakening is not based on the list that was made by LU guides to help seekers to uncover expectations of awakening.
To get the most out of this dialogue press pause and reflect by yourself before listening to our responses and reactions. You may want to have a pen and paper ready to write down what you think and feel for deeper interactive experience and more focused self-inquiry.
The story of Luchana' s life ended while having a guided conversation in the Liberation Unleashed forum. And that was it – the most simple and magnificent discovery ever – there never was a Luchana to begin with. Just life, as always, doing its thing. She is guiding with joy, love and softness, but she is also a little bit firm when it is needed. Luchana guides mainly by video which due to feedback seems to be more direct and immediate.
You can reach out to Luchana through her website Http://awakeningawakened.com
Music by Valdi Sabev, visit his channel for more calm and relaxed music https://www.youtube.com/c/ValdiSabev/featured
In the final part of the Self-Inquiry Questions series, Sarah shares what happened over the 6 weeks since the last meeting. We talk about subtle things that she noticed and continued exploring what awakening is and what it looks like.
Join Sarah in the exploration of experience through pointers and exercises. As you listen to the thought-provoking questions press pause and engage in your own inner inquiry.
Info about free monthly meetings on Zoom http://ilonaciunaite.com/events/
Music by Valdi Sabev, visit his channel for more calm and relaxed music https://www.youtube.com/c/ValdiSabev/featured
In the fifth part of the series of self-inquiry questions Sarah shares her latest insights in her process. We talk about awakening and how it is presented versus how it feels in reality. We discover her heart’s longing for freedom and fear as an obstacle to it. We dive into the heart and investigate further what is going on there. We look deeply at what is arising and how to meet the emotions. Sarah spends some time with fear and sadness, allowing and honouring these emotions. We talk about how language creates a postcard like view of objects and how it does not describe the free flow process of life. We follow the path to freedom and explore what is going on in the heart.
Join Sarah in exploration of experience through pointers and exercises. As you listen to the thought-provoking questions press pause and engage in your own inner inquiry.
Info about free monthly meetings on Zoom http://ilonaciunaite.com/events/
Music by Valdi Sabev, visit his channel for more calm and relaxed music https://www.youtube.com/c/ValdiSabev/featured
In the fourth part of the series of self-inquiry questions, we explore a shift in perception. What we see depends on where we are looking from. When point of view shifts, nothing changes in the view, but everything looks different.
Join Sarah in exploration of experience through pointers and exercises. As you listen to the thought-provoking questions press pause and engage in your own inner inquiry.
Info about free monthly meetings on Zoom http://ilonaciunaite.com/events/
Music by Valdi Sabev, visit his channel for more calm and relaxed music https://www.youtube.com/c/ValdiSabev/featured
In the third part of the series of self-inquiry questions, we explore what it means to stop looking outside and turn to what is already here now. Noticing silence of being and movement that arises in being, just like sounds arise in silence.
Sarah is exploring her experience of the present moment and you are invited to explore with her too. As you listen to the thought-provoking questions and pointers, press pause and engage in your own inner inquiry.
Info about free monthly meetings on Zoom http://ilonaciunaite.com/events/
Music by Valdi Sabev, visit his channel for more calm and relaxed music https://www.youtube.com/c/ValdiSabev/featured
In the second part of the self-inquiry questions series, we explore thoughts, their origin, how they arise, where the thoughts and images are perceived and if there is control over that.
During our conversation, Sarah has gained a deeper understanding of how thoughts arise independently, often triggering emotions and physical responses within her. She has come to realize that she does not actively choose her thoughts; they simply emerge on their own accord.
Sarah has also observed how her body reacts to certain painful memories or recurring thoughts, highlighting the connection between her mind and physical sensations. However, she has recognized that these thoughts and emotions are beyond her control. They arise spontaneously, without her ability to determine their content or timing.
Additionally, Sarah has noticed that her thoughts can manifest as mental images or visualizations, appearing on a metaphorical "mind screen" in her surrounding space. These thoughts and images seem to arise and dissipate autonomously, independent of her direct influence or manipulation.
As you listen to the thought-provoking questions and pointers, press pause and engage in your own inner inquiry. Once you know your answer continue listening.
Info about free monthly meetings on Zoom http://ilonaciunaite.com/events/
Music by Valdi Sabev, visit his channel for more calm and relaxed music https://www.youtube.com/c/ValdiSabev/featured
Follow Sarah on her journey of Self-Inquiry. Guided by Ilona, Sarah is answering questions by looking at her actual experience and recognising what is real for her.
The discussion revolves around actual experience and the concept of a separate self. Sarah shares her process of becoming interested in non-duality and awakening, which has become an obsession for her. They explore the notion of a separate self and its relationship to sensations and the body. Through self-inquiry, they question the existence of a separate self and realize that everything experienced is internal to oneself. They challenge the belief in a separate self and expand the perspective to include the interconnectedness of life.
As you listen to the thought-provoking questions and pointers, press pause and engage in your own inner inquiry. Reflect on the nature of consciousness, the boundaries of perception, and the interplay between sensations and the concept of a body.
Info about free monthly meetings on Zoom http://ilonaciunaite.com/events/
Music by Valdi Sabev, visit his channel for more calm and relaxed music https://www.youtube.com/c/ValdiSabev/featured
What if your thoughts, emotions, and identity are just looping prediction patterns? What if true awakening means seeing through the ego’s hidden payoffs and collapsing them at the source?
In this episode of Awakening Now, I sit down with trauma therapist and awakening teacher Charmain Berry—an ex-psychotherapist who now guides others into the true nature of mind, beyond trauma and ego.
Together, we explore the Liberty Code, a powerful framework for uncovering hidden desires, breaking repetitive cycles, and finding real freedom.
🔎 In this conversation, you’ll discover: ✨ What awakening really means from a nondual perspective ✨ Why emotions make our thoughts feel real ✨ How the mind creates prediction loops that fuel suffering ✨ Why “feeling isn’t always healing” ✨ The Liberty Code as a powerful tool for exposing hidden desires and collapsing patterns
👉 If you’ve ever felt caught in repetitive cycles of thought, emotion, or behavior, this episode may shift your entire perspective.
Connect with Charmain Berry: 🌐Website- https://www.charmainberry.co.uk/ 🔗LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/charmain-berry-933831290/?originalSubdomain=uk 📘Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/CharmainBerryHealer/
💌 Subscribe to my Newsletter to join free monthly Zoom here: meetings:https://ilonaciunaite.com/subscribe/
⚠️ DISCLAIMER
This content is for educational purposes only and **not** a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If anxiety is severe or you have thoughts of self-harm, please seek help from a licensed mental-health professional immediately.
Music by Valdi Sabev, Visit his channel for more calm and relaxed music https://www.youtube.com/c/ValdiSabev/featured
How to recognise the truth about awakening, when there are so many people talking about it in various ways? Reach out to me for a guided session. https://bit.ly/4ozXGzj
In Part 2 of this heartfelt Deep Looking event, we go even deeper into meeting emotions head-on, dismantling old patterns, and uncovering the unshakable safety that’s always here.
You’ll witness real, raw moments where fear, embarrassment, and self-judgment rise to the surface and see how, with gentle awareness, these energies can be met, held, and transformed. This is an invitation to stop waiting for life to be “perfect” before allowing yourself to feel whole.
If you’ve ever felt “almost there” but not quite free, this conversation will bring fresh insight and deep reassurance.
Awakening Isn't the End of Suffering. It's an opening, a new beginning. If you need some help, book a session here. https://bit.ly/4mD9HlL
Even after a deep spiritual awakening, many still ask: "If I know who I truly am, why am I still suffering?"
This heartfelt video explores why emotions, pain, and life’s challenges don’t simply disappear after initial awakening and why that’s okay. You’ll hear real stories, raw vulnerability, and guidance on how to meet emotions fully without resistance, finding the underlying safety and presence that’s always here.
Whether you’re a seasoned seeker or just starting your journey, this conversation offers comfort, clarity, and a reminder: there is no “done” — there’s only life unfolding.
If you are a seeker and want to find out about how I can help you, click here https://bit.ly/4lWOhQo
The truth about awakening is this: You are NOT broken. Feeling intense emotions, disorientation, confusion, and doubt is part of the process.
In this raw, unscripted guided conversation, we explore why awakening often feels confusing, painful, or like we’re doing it “wrong.”
Through grounded insight and compassionate reflection, this episode guides you through the illusion of “lack,” and into the truth that what you’re feeling, fear, tightness, or uncertainty is not a mistake.
You’ll hear about: • The trap of thinking something’s missing • Why discomfort is not a sign you’re failing • Emotional contraction vs presence • Allowing what’s already here even if it’s not “bliss”
This is for those ready to stop searching and start remembering who they really are.
Still seeking awakening? See how I can help https://ilonaciunaite.com/sessions/
This is an unedited recording of a group zoom meeting that happened on the first Sunday in July. This was a very powerful and emotional meeting, and if you want to follow along for your maximum benefit, give yourself some quiet time and space to be able to reflect deeply.
Work with me to end seeking and find lasting inner peace. https://bit.ly/4l7NLPt
Often, we get lost in looking for awakening as we are looking outside of ourselves. What if the shift is as simple as what my guest is sharing today? If you can not stop seeking and are obsessively looking for the next thing, this video is for you.
BIO: COLBY WILK, INTUITIVE WAYFINDER Colby Wilk isn’t typical. With sharp intuition and a no-nonsense approach, he cuts through the noise to get you aligned with your soul’s true path—fast. Blending deep energy work with real-world results, Colby helps you find your path forward. Whether you’re stuck, seeking, or ready to soar, he’ll guide you to a life that feels richer, freer, and more you than ever before.
While a counsellor and coach, Colby recognized that there was a power beyond traditional therapeutic methods that could shift what seemed unchangeable — the very core of a person.
With compassion and humor, Colby guides podcast audiences to their own internal wisdom. Listeners emerge from the podcast more confident and equipped to live fully.
What Colby offers is not a miracle, although at times it is miraculous.
To learn more about Colby and the work he gets to do: www.ColbyWilk.com
FREE GIFT FOR LISTENERS The First Step to Finding Your Way – a short, powerful practice to help people reconnect with their truth and move forward with clarity. https://colbywilk.com/the-first-secret-to-finding-your-way/
I help spiritual seekers to end seeking so that they can enjoy a life of freedom. https://bit.ly/3T0JYqJ
If you've been seeking awakening for years and feel like you're almost there, but something keeps holding you back - you're caught in the seeker's ultimate trap: the very act of seeking is what's keeping you from recognising what you already are.
You could spend another decade chasing the next breakthrough, the next teacher, the next method, growing more spiritually exhausted and further from the freedom you crave.
But what if I told you there's one question that exposes a hidden pattern from childhood so clearly that the entire seeking game collapses in an instant? What if the freedom you've been desperately searching for has been waiting for something that you can give to yourself?
There's something your mind doesn't want you to discover about why you started seeking in the first place. Once you see it, everything changes.
Subscribe to my Newsletter to receive info about free monthly meetings on Zoom https://ilonaciunaite.com/subscribe/
Music by Valdi Sabev, Visit his channel for more calm and relaxed music https://www.youtube.com/c/ValdiSabev/featured
For a private deep looking session, contact me https://bit.ly/458pR0Y
Subscribe to my Newsletter for updates, gifts and to receive info about free monthly meetings on Zoom https://ilonaciunaite.com/subscribe/
Ever wish your brain had an "OFF switch?**
In this group meeting session, you’ll hear anxious guests go from looping thoughts to spacious calm—using a simple **Deep Looking technique** that anyone can repeat. No incense, no fancy mantras, just one 4-step awakening questions that pacifies the mind on demand. Follow along and test it in real time in your own experience.
Music by Valdi Sabev, Visit his channel for more calm and relaxed music https://www.youtube.com/c/ValdiSabev/featured
Awakening is a shift in perception, a clear seeing of what you are and what you’ve mistaken yourself for. it reveals what was here all along
You’re listening to Awakening Now, a podcast for those who are on the path of self-discovery and spiritual awakening.
This is episode number 115. The Reality of Awakening: Why the Honeymoon Fades and How to Meet What Returns
My name is Ilona Ciunaite.
I’m a guide, an author, and co-creator of the Liberation Unleashed community.
If you are in the process of awakening, this space is for you. For 14 years, I’ve supported people through awakening—both the clarity and the confusion that follow the first insight.
This episode brings together three segments from a single live meeting, offering a clear look at the reality of awakening beyond the initial insight. We explore the honeymoon phase of awakening—why early openness and clarity fade, why old conditioning returns, and how awakening is not a final event but an ongoing recognition of presence. This part brings clarity to seekers who feel confused when expansion shifts into contraction.
The episode then moves into two practical sessions on emotional integration. First, we meet an inner child that has been calling for attention and driving compulsive behaviours like overeating and seeking validation. Then, in a live session with Tammy, we look at fear, intensity, and the belief that relaxing is unsafe, and how presence meets these movements without fixing or resisting them. Throughout all three segments, the focus is on meeting emotions directly, seeing through the mind’s stories, and recognising what is already here beneath every wave.
If you like to receive updates, subscribe here: Https://ilonaciunaite.com/subscribe
Music by Valdi Sabev, Visit his channel for more calm and relaxed musichttps://www.youtube.com/c/ValdiSabev/featured
Subscribe to my Newsletter for updates and to receive info about free monthly meetings on Zoom https://ilonaciunaite.com/subscribe/
Music by Valdi Sabev, Visit his channel for more calm and relaxed music https://www.youtube.com/c/ValdiSabev/featured
Are you still waiting for that lightning bolt of enlightenment?
Tonight could be the night it finally lands. In this 14-minute journey I reveal how a childhood of chaos, a mind-blowing mushroom trip, and **ONE ruthless question** shattered the illusion of a separate self—and how you can run the same experiment before you go to sleep.
**WHAT’S INSIDE** • The exact million-dollar question that stopped 20 years of seeking • Why affirmations, vision boards, and guru quotes keep you stuck in “spiritual waiting rooms” • A live, on-camera inquiry you can follow alongside me to taste silent awareness • How to face the fear that rises when you see there is **no one inside** running the show
**⏱️ TIMESTAMPS** 00:00 The endless search & the promise to end the waiting 01:18 Growing up in a war of words 02:46 The night my mind went silent 04:10 University theories vs. real-world pain 05:35 Jed McKenna and the belief-system punch 07:14 The forum that said “there is no you” 08:29 The million-dollar question lands 10:12 Seeing life with no controller 12:03 Practical demo: look for yourself in 30 seconds 13:27 What to expect after the first glimpse 14:20 Your invitation to walk together
**CONNECT & CONTINUE** Subscribe for weekly pointers, real-time Q\&As, and success stories from seekers who have already ended the waiting. Comment below with the question you’ll ask tonight, then share the video with a friend who’s one breath away from awakening.
**KEYWORDS** awakening, end the waiting, spiritual awakening, no self, enlightenment, self inquiry, trauma healing, Jed McKenna, consciousness, meditation, stop seeking
Let **tonight** be the night. Ask the question, press play, and see if there really is **NO ONE INSIDE**.
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational purposes and does not replace professional mental-health or medical advice. Always listen to your own inner guidance.
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SEPARATE SELF IS IMPOSSIBLE — and in this raw, unscripted satsang you’ll see why. We dismantle the final myth of awakening: the idea there’s someone here who must awaken. Drop the seeker, the doer and the thinker, and watch presence, joy and creative flow ignite on their own. Press play and let the insight land in real time!
https://bit.ly/44NPi7X Work with me to END seeking and live in freedom.
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**🔮 Loosen Your Grip: Break the 30-Year Tension and Step Into Fearless Presence**
Have you spent decades clenching your fists, bracing your shoulders, and policing every emotion so you do not hurt anyone or lose control? This **50-minute live inquiry** follows two courageous seekers who expose the illusion behind lifelong tension, confront the fear of “going crazy” if they relax, and discover a somatic shortcut that dissolves anxiety at its root. If white-knuckle self-control is stealing your peace, let this session guide you back to the calm center that never leaves.
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### 📌 What You Will Learn
• Why the body locks down to stop so-called dangerous emotions • The single question that makes chronic contraction pause instantly • How the illusion of control feeds anxiety, burnout, and people-pleasing • A safe-to-feel exercise that disarms panic in real time • Door 1 Seeing thought-storms as passing weather • Door 2 Allowing raw sensation to peak and dissolve • Practical boundaries for empaths feel your feelings without drowning in others
Music by Valdi Sabev, Visit his channel for more calm and relaxed music https://www.youtube.com/c/ValdiSabev/featured
Work with me to END anxiety and stress. http://www.IlonaCiunaite.com/sessions
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Stop Self-Doubt in 10 Minutes — Live Coaching Heals Unworthiness and Anxiety FAST
Can one conscious breath rewrite a lifetime of I-am-not-enough stories? In this unscripted spiritual-coaching session you will see exactly that. A courageous seeker faces the mind’s loudest demand — “I need to know everything or I am not safe” — and dissolves it in real time. No edits. No studio polish. Just practical inner work you can repeat right now to move from fear to natural innocence.
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### Why This Session Stands Out
• One-Breath Heart Reset — a micro technique that calms the vagus nerve and settles the nervous system in under thirty seconds • Somatic Spotlight — watch where unworthiness hides in the head centre, then feel it release through the heart space • Story versus Sensation — learn to catch the instant a mental movie unplugs from the body’s emotions, ending the anxiety loop • Innocence Retrieval — welcome the inner child home without sugar-coated positivity or spiritual bypass • Radical Inclusion — tears, pauses, resistance, laughter; everything is allowed and nothing is sliced from the footage
Music by Valdi Sabev, Visit his channel for more calm and relaxed music https://www.youtube.com/c/ValdiSabev/featured
https://bit.ly/44bvScP Work with me to END suffering once and for all. Click on this link to book a free 30 min consultation.
Welcome to this transformative journey beyond ordinary self‐help and into a deeper spiritual awakening. In this video, we reveal why waiting for life circumstances to change can keep you trapped in anxiety, fear, and limiting beliefs, and how recognizing the no‐self principle frees you to experience the peace and joy that have always been available—right here, right now.
By exploring the illusions of identity and the habit of seeking comfort while avoiding pain, we dive into a method of deep looking that helps you face uncomfortable feelings without judgment. You’ll see why it’s safe to feel everything—anxiety, fear, anger, or emotional intensity—because these sensations, once acknowledged, naturally self‐liberate. In this openness, you discover that who you truly are isn’t a bundle of thoughts, emotions, and past experiences, but rather the boundless presence hosting it all.
What You’ll Learn in This Video
The Biggest Obstacle: Waiting for Change Understand how constant seeking prevents you from embracing the freedom and stillness already present in this moment.
Why It’s Safe to Feel Everything Discover the hidden power of allowing and acknowledging uncomfortable emotions, rather than running from them or numbing them.
Programming of the Human Organism Dive into how the mind seeks pleasure and avoids pain, and how this natural tendency can create unnecessary anxiety and stress.
The Illusion of a Separate Self See through the layers of thought, identity, and concepts that falsely convince you there’s a “me” in control.
Practical Deep Looking Techniques Learn a simple but powerful self‐inquiry method that directly addresses fears, stories, and negative self‐talk, revealing the no‐self insight.
Embracing Openness & Silence Experience why presence is never disturbed by strong feelings or changing life situations and how to rest in that space of being.
True Peace Beyond Mind Recognize how awareness itself can effortlessly dissolve unhelpful patterns and bring genuine peace of mind.
Key Topics Covered No‐Self and the end of illusion Anxiety relief through facing emotions Spiritual awakening & deeper self‐inquiry Recognizing you are not your thoughts or feelings Mindfulness and being in the present moment Safely embracing fear, anger, and strong sensations Deep looking as a practical tool for freedom
Shocking Truth: You May Not Exist as You Think – In this eye‐opening video, we’ll dive deep into the powerful concept of ego dissolution and the illusion of the separate self. Have you ever paused to question your own identity? Are you really who—or what—you think you are? Through guided self‐inquiry, we’ll unravel the layers of thought, emotion, and conditioning that build up the image of “you,” revealing a vast spiritual awakening waiting just beneath the surface.
Our journey takes us through profound nondual awareness techniques drawn from Advaita Vedanta, Zen Buddhism, and modern mindfulness practices. You’ll discover how the “I” you’ve been protecting may be no more substantial than a passing thought. This realization can bring lasting inner peace, clarity, and a newfound sense of freedom in day‐to‐day life. Whether you’re searching for spiritual enlightenment, curious about consciousness, or simply seeking relief from overthinking and stress, this video offers insights that could transform your perspective.
What You’ll Learn in This Video:
• Why the “self” may be an illusion and how this affects every aspect of your life. • How to use awareness practices and self‐inquiry to see beyond thoughts, beliefs, and identities. • The key differences between ego chatter and true presence that lead to inner peace. • Simple steps to connect with the stillness and openness always present in your everyday experience.
Subscribe for more content on mindfulness, nondual awakening, and deep inner transformation. If you find this video valuable, please like, share, and comment. Your support helps us reach more seekers of truth and contributes to our growing spiritual community.
Uncover the Shocking Truth behind who you really are—and who you aren’t. When you question the illusion of a separate self, you open the door to limitless freedom and the peace you’ve been longing for. Let’s begin.
Music by Valdi Sabev, Visit his channel for more calm and relaxed music https://www.youtube.com/c/ValdiSabev/featured
Are you tired of feeling like you're on the brink of spiritual awakening, yet something always seems to hold you back? In this video, I uncover the four subtle obstacles that keep most seekers stuck, even after years of meditation, shadow work, and self-inquiry. Whether you've been devouring every book on enlightenment, attending countless spiritual retreats, or deeply exploring non-dual teachings, you'll discover exactly why genuine self-realization may still feel out of reach.
If you've ever wondered, "Why am I not enlightened yet?" this is the turning point you've been looking for. Through my own journey and work with hundreds of students, I've identified the invisible locks that hold even the most dedicated spiritual explorers captive. You'll learn how expectation sabotages your inner transformation, how fear operates as a hidden security system for the ego, and how resistance silently cements your false identity in place.
We'll also delve into the sneaky habit of waiting-and show you why it quietly prevents you from fully embracing the present moment.
This video isn't about adding more spiritual concepts-it's about recognizing the absence of resistance and the simplicity of pure presence. By facing these obstacles head-on, you'll naturally discover the effortless peace and clarity that arise when the "me" dissolves. You'll see that real awakening doesn't require a grand fireworks display; it asks you to notice what has always been here in your direct experience.
If you're ready for a profound shift in how you perceive yourself and the world around you, make sure to watch until the end. You'll receive a powerful doorway question that points directly to the heart of self-realisation. Don't miss this chance to reclaim the open, boundless space that's never left you, even if the ego insists otherwise.
Join me on this journey to transcend these four major blocks and step into the free, unbounded awareness that is your true nature. Let's unravel the illusions together, dissolve the "me," and awaken the ever-present consciousness that resides beyond all concepts. If you're serious about unlocking authentic spiritual liberation, hit play now and discover the missing piece in your path toward genuine enlightenment.
Work with me. http://www.IlonaCiunaite.com/sessions
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Music by Valdi Sabev, Visit his channel for more calm and relaxed music https://www.youtube.com/c/ValdiSabev/featured
Deep Looking is a way to examine what is arising and uncover hidden patterns and mechanisms of the mind and emotions. By becoming aware and allowing energies to be as they are, contracted energies are released, and old programs tend to fall away. The Deep Looking meetings happen every first Sunday of the month. You are welcome to join the next one. https://ilonaciunaite.com/events/
Work with me. http://www.IlonaCiunaite.com/sessions
Subscribe to my Newsletter for updates, gifts and to receive info about free monthly meetings on Zoom https://ilonaciunaite.com/subscribe/
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There is one very important question to ask: Are you ready to break through the illusion of separation once and for all? On a scale from 0 to 10, how ready are you? If the answer is 11, then the hardest thing is completed. It happens When you are ready and willing to see the shattering. You do not need to know when or how. It's not up to you anymore. In this video, you will find some potent pointers and questions to direct your attention within.
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In the Stay Spiritual interview, I talk about the quiet flip from seeking to seeing — the moment when the pressure dissolves and looking into your own present experience becomes the first real step toward peace.
So many seekers carry a private heaviness that is difficult to name. It isn’t just the desire for awakening; it’s the subtle tension of feeling behind, of trying to catch up, of believing that others are closer to something you can’t quite touch. The desperation grows quietly, and often nobody sees it. In this conversation, I speak about how that weight begins to fall away when the attention turns from ideas of awakening toward the simplicity of what is here now. When the grasping relaxes, even just a little, something softer begins to open.
I also share the beginning of my own journey — the moment a single question revealed that nobody is running the show. It didn’t arrive with fireworks or certainty. It came as a simple seeing, unmistakable and ordinary, like noticing something in plain sight that had been missed for years. Nothing dramatic changed, yet everything shifted. I felt more like coming home than discovering something new.
If you’ve been seeking for a long time, if glimpses rise and fade, or if part of you quietly fears that you’re missing something essential, I hope this meets you with gentleness. You don’t need to push yourself any further. You don’t need to earn clarity. You don’t need to become someone different. The doorway is not in the future. It’s right here in whatever you’re experiencing in this moment.
Beneath the movement of seeking, there is a natural ease that never leaves. It becomes visible when the fight to get somewhere rests for a moment. When you turn toward your immediate experience — without pressure, without comparison, without trying to fix anything — you begin to feel the ground under your own feet again. And often, that is where the real shift begins.
Gratitude can change your life! Take on the challenge offered by Jeffrey Gignac to prove that to yourself.
Imagine waking up every day feeling lighter, happier, and more in control of your life—all because of one simple practice: genuine gratitude. Science shows that when you consistently focus on what you’re thankful for, you rewire your brain to seek out positivity, reducing stress, boosting happiness, and even improving your health.
Gratitude isn’t just about saying “thank you”—it’s a powerful shift in perspective that attracts more abundance, deepens relationships and helps you navigate life’s challenges with resilience. In this video, Jeffrey Gignac shares a powerful exercise, that you can do today to shift your well-being into a a higher level. In this conversation, we dive deep into how gratitude can transform your mindset and, ultimately, your entire life.
Jeffrey Gignac is a world-renowned expert in brainwave entrainment and neurotherapy, dedicated to unlocking the mind’s full potential. As a creator of groundbreaking brainwave technology, he has transformed the way people harness their mental power for success, happiness, and personal growth. With decades of experience, Jeffrey reveals the science behind gratitude and how it can rewire your brain for a better life.
What is your life's purpose? Do you know it? And what is the point of inquiring into that? Find your true calling and life will flow, says my guest Maria Micha.
Maria Micha is a senior clinical mental health counsellor, psychotherapist, and hypnotherapist trained in the UK and USA. She is trained in family therapy, Adlerian therapy, systemic therapy, Psychodynamic Theory, and hypnotherapy. She has created the Anagenesis Method, a harmonious blend of counselling, science, hypnotherapy, spiritual shamanic practices, cacao-induced visions, and energy healing. https://mariamicha.com/
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When and how a neutral situation become a problem? What is the exact process and how to stop creating problems with no solutions? This is a big question and this video invites you to explore how it works.
This video is a recording of the Deep Looking meeting. You are welcome to participate in the next one, the details are here: http://www.ilonaciunaite.com/events
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You may understand the illusion of self but have never had an experience. How do you see this? Let's explore the question of a separate self together. This episode is a recording of a zoom meeting that was held in February. If you have a question and want me to answer it in the next Zoom meeting, please come to the meeting or write the question in the comments.
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What is the one life-changing shift? Find out what Ishtar has to share in his second interview.
Ishtar Thomas Howell is a Meditation Teacher, Monk, Writer, Astrologer, Enthusiastic Gardener.
Ishtar Thomas Howell is a Meditation Teacher, Monk, Writer, Astrologer, and Enthusiastic Gardener. And today we explore the question of the most profound shift that can change one's life forever. Ishtar's websites: https://www.awakenedlightastrology.com/ https://www.ascension-meditation.com/
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Renowned spiritual teacher Pamela Wilson reveals a must-know secret that every seeker has been waiting for - a powerful tip to transform your life and relationships, both with yourself and others. Try it out and share how this life-changing secret works for you in the fan mail.
Work with Pamela http://pamelasatsang.com
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This episode is a recording of the third session with Christine. In the beginning she shared her current situation and challenges. Later, I guided her through the exercise of looking at how the mind works and finding out where and how the images show up. you are welcome to explore together with Christine and find in your own experience where the mind screen is.
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Harri Aalto is a self realization guide, an author, and an artist, he works individually and with groups of seekers who are looking for self realization. Today we talk about how to unlock your mind and recognize self realization in your own experience. Is self realization personal? Find out how in this interview.
https://www.harriaalto.com/
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Music by Valdi Sabev, Visit his channel for more calm and relaxed music https://www.youtube.com/c/ValdiSabev/featured